THE RSPB’s Big Wild Sleepout is taking place this year at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum in Cultra on July 24 and 25 and then heading west to the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh on August 8.
Last year almost 600 people pitched their tents and enjoyed fun-filled activities like bat detecting and bushcrafts, as well as toasting marshmallows on the campfire and spooky storytelling – and even a few downpours couldn’t dampen their enthusiasm.
Big Wild Sleepout offers a great opportunity for kids to connect with nature during the summer holidays and is suitable for experienced and amateur campers alike. Tickets are £18 for adults and £13 for children, with a 10 per cent discount for RSPB members.
See sleepoutcultra.eventbrite.co.uk or sleepoutomagh.eventbrite.co.uk. or by call the RSPB NI office on 028 9049 1547 for tickets. For more about the RSPB’s campaign and advice on helping birds and wildlife see rspb.org.uk/homes.
IF YOU’RE looking for ways to keep children active and entertained this summer then head to WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre in Comber and check out its new Secret Swamp.
The new, natural outdoor play space allows children to connect with nature through active and imaginative play. Amenities include a log den secret hideout, curious stumpery, a pixie phone musical clearing, magical toadstool glade and a tall tree house adjacent to the green secret swamp.
Active play features include a clamber web, sweet track balance beams over a mucky marsh, a zip wire, tree swing, wobbly bridge and swamp stomp stepping stones. Secluded benches on the edge of the swamp are a peaceful resting point to enjoy the trill of the woodland birdsong while taking in the vibrant swamp and the tangle of goat willow above.
